Traffic signaling device for vehicles

ABSTRACT

The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to a traffic signaling device for vehicles which includes a bracket having a first end arranged for connection to the upper free exposed edge portion of a partially opened side window of the vehicle. The bracket has the second end thereof arranged for connection in a simple and easy manner to the distress signaling reflective warning device. A collapsible distress signaling reflective warning element is formed of a plurality of triangularly shaped segments, each segment including a given apex thereof in common registry with other segments so that the plurality of triangularly shaped segments can be secured together at the given apex by means of a locking bolt or rivet. A mounting bar is also secured to the locking bolt or rivet and provides means for connection to the bracket which, in turn, provides a relatively small, collapsible and somewhat compact and easily partially disassemblable structure which can be stored when not in use in small places such as glove compartments, or the like, and which can be opened and placed in a signalling location on the window from inside the vehicle without the driver having to exit from the vehicle.

United States Patet 1191 v Zdebski [451 Feb. 12, 1974 TRAFFIC SIGNALINGDEVICE FOR VEHICLES David M. Zdebski, 5416 S. Nordica Ave., Chicago,111. 60638 [22] Filed: July 26, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 382,774

[76] Inventor:

52 Us. (:1. 116/28 R, 40/129 c, 116/41,

160/132, 350/97 51 Int. Cl. B60q 58 Field of Search 116/28 1141,114,533,

116/63Df173f1727175; 10/129 0; 24,011.03, 2.31, 241248143; 352/2 PrimaryExaminer-Louis J. Capozi Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Marden S. Gordon 7]ABSTRACT The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed toa traffic signaling device for vehicles which includes a bracket havinga first end arranged for connection to the upper free exposed edgeportion of a partially opened side window of the vehicle. The brackethas the second end thereof arranged for connection in a simple and easymanner to the distress signaling reflective warning device. Acollapsible distress signaling reflective warning element is formed of aplurality of triangularly shaped segments, each segment including agiven apex thereof in common registry with other segments so that theplurality of triangularly shaped segments can be secured together at thegiven apex by means of a locking bolt or rivet. A mounting bar is alsosecured to the locking bolt or rivet and provides means for connectionto the bracket which, in turn, provides a relatively small, collapsibleand somewhat compact and easily partially disassemblable structure whichcan be stored when not in use in small places such as glovecompartments, or the like, and which can be opened and placed in asignalling location on the window from inside the vehicle without thedriver having to exit from the vehicle.

16 Claims, 10 DrawingFigures 1 TRAFFIC SIGNALING DEVICE FOR VEHICLESBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention This inventionrelates generally to improvements in structures and apparatus usedprimarily in the field of vehicle warning devices, and more particularlyto a distress signaling refiecting warning device and its structure andcombination of elements that provides substantial useful improvementsover existing similar devices which are commonly used in trucks,automobiles, and the like. However, it will be understood that whilethis invention is directed particularly to devices used in the field ofdistress signaling for automobile type vehicles, it will be understoodthat the device disclosed herein can be used in other allied fieldssuchas truck signaling, boat signaling, and the like.

2. Description of the Prior Art Heretofore, distress signaling devicesfor use in vehicles have been relatively complex to use and expensive tomanufacture thereby making their general acceptance among the drivingpublic somewhat less than desirable. Emergency signs for vehicles andthe like have heretofore taken many forms but generally they haveincluded some type of sign designed to be attached to the automobile andto convey a message indicating the nature of the distress. There hasbeen little effort to use such signs not only as a means of getting helpfrom other automobiles but also to warn other automobiles of aparticular danger that may be encountered as a result of the parkedvehicle having the sign posted thereon. The most commonly used method ofproviding this type of warning has been the use of flares. Flaresrequire that the user thereof place the flares sufficiently away fromthe automobile so as to be in a safe position while the person is movingabout the exterior of the automobile to replace tires, or replenishgasoline, and the like. Flares of this type placed too close toautomobiles when refueling the automobile may cause a danger not only tothe automobile being refueled but also to oncoming traffic, as a resultof an unexpected explosion.

Travel on the interstate highway systems throughout various countries,such as the United States and Germany, require that automobiles travelat a relatively high rate of speed, and it is often necessary that thedriver of the vehicle on this type of highway system be on the alert forunexpected occurences on the roadway ahead. One type of unexpectedoccurence is the disabled vehicle along the side of the highway, or insome cases in the middle of the high speed lane of the roadway. It isnot always possible for the driver of the oncoming vehicle to clearlydiscern whether the vehicle on the shoulder or on the highway is movingor standing still until he realizes that he is approaching the vehicleat a relatively fast closing rate. Thus the driver of the oncomingvehicle will make a last minute effort to move to one side or the otherof the highway to prevent colliding with the standing vehicle.Furthermore, during heavy traffic conditions it is not always convenientfor the driver of the oncoming vehicle to move to one lane or the otherwithout in fact creating a dangerous condition to himself and to othervehicles. Therefore it is desirable to have warning signs or markings onthe stationary vehicle to indicate to conoming traffic that a distresscondition exists so that the oncoming traffic can commence takingcorrective action as soon as pos sible to prevent injury and damage topersonnel and automobiles, respectively.

As is well known, it frequently happens that, as a result of accidents,mechanical failure, or depletion of the fuel supply, a vehicle is forcedto stop on the side of the roadway or in the middle of the roadwaybefore it is pushed to the side. it is also well known that it isdifficult to signal or attract the attention of oncoming traffic that adistress condition exists because the oncoming traffic is approaching ata relatively high rate of speed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a feature of this inventionto provide a distress signaling reflective warning device to be mountedto the exterior of a vehicle to indicate to other oncoming trafiic thata distress condition exists in sufficient time to allow the oncomingtraffic to take corrective measure in their maneuvering of theautomobile to prevent further damage to property and injury to life.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a new and usefuldistress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted to theexterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that adistress condition exists, wherein a bracket is fashioned to have afirst end thereof arranged for quick connection to the signaling deviceand the second end thereof arranged for attachment to the upper freeedge of an open side window of the vehicle without the driver having toexit from the vehicle.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a new and usefuldistress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted to theexterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that adistress condition exists, wherein a collapsible distress signalingreflective warning element is formed of a plurality of triangularlyshaped segments each of which have an apex thereof in common registrywith the other and through which is provided a locking or pivotingsecuring device such as a bolt or rivet so that the plurality oftriangularly shaped segments can be fanned open and closed during useand storage, respectively.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a new and usefuldistress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted to theexterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that adistress condition exists, wherein a mounting member secured to thepivot means which passes through the apex of said plurality oftriangularly shaped segments and which cooperates with the first quickconnect end of said bracket so as to facilitate fastening said bracketthereto during a use condition and to facilitate removal of the bracketduring a storage condition.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a new and usefuldistress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted to theexterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that adistress condition exists, wherein a slot is formed in only a single oneof said plurality of arcuately shaped segments to allow this particularsegment to have an overriding locking interconnection with an adjacentsegment so that the free edge and the locking edges of these twosegments can be interconnected one with the other to provide a tightlocking action therebetween to hold the plurality of triangularly shapedsegments in an opened condition while in use.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a new and usefuldistress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted to theexterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that adistress condition exists wherein the free edge of each segment and thelocking edge of each segment have a diverging outward configuration.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a new and usefuldistress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted to theexterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that adistress condition exists, wherein the free edge includes a slot formedtherein and the locking edge includes a depending portion which engagesthe slot of an adjacently positioned free edge to interconnect therewithso that each of said plurality of arcuately shaped segments interlockone with the other when they are in an open condition during use.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a new and usefuldistress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted to theexterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that adistress condition exists, wherein the free edge portion of each of saidplurality of triangularly shaped segments is provided with a firstturned over portion bent upon itself in one direction and wherein saidlocking edge of each of said plurality of triangularly shaped segmentshas a second turned over portion bent upon itself in a directionopposite that of said first turned portion, and wherein each of saidfirst and second turned over por tions interconnect one with the otherof correspondingly adjacent positioned triangularly shaped segments tointerlock and form a distress signaling reflecting device substantiallycompletely in a circular and conical configuration.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a new and usefuldistress signaling warning device to be mounted to the exterior of anautomobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that a distresscondition exists, wherein the bracket utilized to mount the warningdevice has a U-shaped slot formed in the extremity thereof and animmediately adjacent positioned keyhole shaped slot, said U-shaped slotadapted to be positioned over a threaded stud to receive a lockingthreaded device thereon and said keyhole shaped slot adapted to bepositioned over a head portion of a rivet like member and sliddownwardly thereupon to facilitate securing said bracket to said warningdevice.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a new and usefuldistress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted to theexterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that adistress condition exists wherein, the effective arcuate length of eachof said plurality of triangularly shaped segments is slightly less atthe periphery thereof to allow said segments to be pulled tightlytogether to form a conical configuration substantially concave inconfiguration in the direction of oncoming traffic.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a new and usefuldistress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted to theexterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that adistress condition exists, wherein the bracket utilized to mount thedistress signaling device to the automobile is formed of a length offlat stripstock having a twisted portion intermediate its ends thereofso that the mounting end of the bracket is disposed at from the quickconnecting end which is fastened to the reflecting device.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a new and usefuldistress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted to theexterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that adistress condition exists, wherein said second mounting end of saidbracket is provided with a U-shaped hook member to fit over the upperexposed free edge of a side window of an automobile and further includesa suction cup el ement disposed immediately beneath said U-shaped hookmember firmly to engage the glass surface to hold the device in positionwithout the driver having to exit from the vehicle to expose himself tooncoming traffic.

Still another feature of this invention is the provision of a new anduseful distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted to theexterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that adistress condition exists, wherein the outer peripheral edge portions ofeach of said plurality of arcuately shaped segments is arcuate inconfiguration thereby providing a circular configuration of saiddistress signaling reflective warning device.

Yet still another feature of this invention is the provision of a newand useful distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted tothe exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic thata distress condition exists, wherein a plurality of reflective segmentedareas are provided about the general configuration of the warning deviceto allow head light reflections to cast warning signals outwardlytherefrom during night driving conditions.

Many other features and advantages of this invention will be more fullyrealized and understood from the following detailed description whentaken in conjuction with the accompanying drawings wherein likereference numerals throughout the various views of the drawings areintended to designate similar elements or components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective rear quarterview of an automobile utilizing the distress signaling reflectivewarning device of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the distress signaling reflective warning device ofthis invention showing the general configuration thereof and furtherillustrating the mounting of the device to the top free edge of a sideopen window of the automobile of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the distress signaling device of FIG. 2 furtherillustrating its configuration of mounting to the upper free edge of theopen window of the automobile;

FIG. 4 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view illustrating thegeneral means by which the mounting bracket is secured to the distresssignaling device during assembly and disassembly thereof for use andstorage, respectively;

FIG. 5 is an exploded fragmentary view illustrating two of the pluralityof triangularly shaped segments positioned in a somewhat collapsedcondition so as to facilitate storage of the device of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 66 of FIG. 6 illustratingthe bent and struck down and up portions forming slot and tab members atthe free and locking edges, respectively, of the triangularly shapedsegments in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a specific one of theplurality of triangularly shaped segments, which specific one isprovided with an elongated slot to facilitate overlapping of thesegments during a locking together action;

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of several of the plurality oftriangularly shaped segments, as taken somewhat through the area of thelocking end tab portions to facilitate opening of the warning device;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate embodiment ofthis invention wherein the free edge and locking edge are provided withturned over portions bent upon themselves in opposite directions, whichturned over portions are interconnected with one another with respect toadjacently positioned triangularly shaped segments to facilitateinterlocking thereof; and

FIG. 10 is a sectional view illustrating the interlocking of twoadjacent triangularly shaped sections which have the turned over bentportions engaging one another in accordance with the alternateembodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIG. 1 thereis seen an automobile which is designated generally by reference numeral10, and which has mounted thereto a distress signaling reflectivewarning device constructed in accordance with the principles of thisinvention. Here the distress signaling warning device is designatedgenerally by reference numeral 12 and is fashioned to engage the upperfree edge portion 14 of a partially lowered side window 16 of theautomobile 10. As indicated in broken line 17, the reflective warningdevice of this invention can be mounted to either side of the automobilemerely by changing the direction of the mounting bracket securedthereto, such mounting being accomplished by the driver without havingto exist from the car. Therefore, during a condition of emergency theoperator of the automobile 10 merely removes the distress signalingreflective warning device from its storage place, as for example fromthe glove compartment or the like, and opens the device, secures themounting bracket, and then fastens the mounting bracket and the deviceto the lowered free edge portion 14 of the side window 16. To facilitatea warning condition during night time use the distress signalingreflective device 12 includes a plurality of strategically locatedreflective elements 18, preferably positioned 120 apart from one anotherso as to provide evenly spaced areas of reflective material. It will beunderstood that more or less of the reflective areas may be used asdesired.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 the distress signaling reflective warningdevice 12 includes a bracket 20 having a first end 21 arranged forconnection to the upper free edge portion 14 of the partially openedwindow 16, and a second end portion 22 provided with quick connect meansto facilitate fastening and unfastening of the bracket to the reflectivewarning device 12.

The reflective warning device 12 comprises a-collapsible distresssignaling reflective element 24 formed of a plurality of triangularlyshaped segments 26. Each of the plurality of triangularly shapedsegments 26 is pro vided with an aperture located at the apex thereofand through which a locking rivet or bolt 28 passes, as best seen inFIG. 2, securely to hold the plurality of triangularly shaped segmentstogether so they can be operated in a fan-like action for opening andclosing. The pivot member 28 passes through each of the apertures formedin the segments and thereby also provides means for holding theplurality of segments together. Also secured to the fastening rivet orbolt 28 is a mounting member 30 which has the extended portion 32thereof provided with a threaded shaft 34 and a rivet head member as.The threaded shaft 35 engages a U- shaped slot 38 of the quick connectend 22 while the rivet head 36 passes through a keyhole shaped slot 40,and wherein relatively sliding movement between the slots Bfi and 40with regard to their threaded elements 34 and rivet elements 36,respectively, provided means for fastening and locking the bracket 20 tothe mounting member 30 in a quick and easy manner. The threaded member34 is provided with a thumb screw or sing nut 42 to allow manualfastening of these elements.

The bracket 2a is provided with a twist portion 44$ located intermediatethe ends 21 and 22 thereof so that the orientation of the ends isrelative to one another. Therefore fastening of the device of thisinvention to side window of an automobile will facilitate substantiallyperpendicular display of the device extending radially outwardly of theautomobile as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Each of the plurality of triangularly shaped segments 26 is providedwith a free edge 46 and a locking edge 48, they being selectedarbitrarily, and which are provided with slots 50 and tab members 52engaging the slots to lock the triangularly shaped segments together.While the slots are formed by bent struck portions which, in turn, formthe tabs, they are here considered as separate elements with regard tothe structure disclosed. That is, slots can be formed in one edge andtabs welded or otherwise secured to the other edge to cooperatetherewith.

As best seen in FIG. 6 the slots 50 are formed from the angularly bentportions 52 which are also used to form the tabs of each of theplurality of triangularly shaped segments 26. Furthermore, each of thetriangularly shaped segments, except for one, is provided with anupturned edge portion 54, as best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, to interact onewith another so that during closing or collapsing of the triangularlyshaped segments, the device can be folded in a fan-like fashion forstorage. Also, as more clearly seen in FIGS. 5 and 7, the apertureformed at the apex of each of the triangularly shaped sections is heredesignated generally be reference numeral 56 and receives a rivet ormounting bolt 28 for securing the segments together.

FIG. 8 illustrates a plurality of triangularly shaped segments fastenedtogether when the structure is in an opened condition. Here it can beseen that the slots 50 cooperate with the tabs 52 to interlock one withthe other to form a structure similar to that shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.Furthermore, by providing a peripheral extent of the plurality oftriangularly shaped segments which is somewhat less than the effectiveor intended arcuate extent, the plurality of triangularly shapedsegments can be locked together securely to form a shallow cone shapedstructure, as best seen in the side view of FIG. 3. This provides astructure which picks up light for reflection more readily.

In the preferred embodiment, each of the triangularly shaped segments 26has an arcuate peripheral configuration at the radially outwardly mostextent portion thereof, this is designated generally by referencenumeral 60. This arcuate configuration, when combined with the arcuateconfiguration of each of the segments conforms to a configurationsubstantially circular, as best seen in FIG. 2. However, it will beunderstood that other peripheral configurations can be utilized withoutdeparting from this invention. For example, the peripheral configurationmay be straight so that each of the segments has a straight line or cordformed from edge to edge.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10 there are seen the details ofconstruction of an alternate embodiment of this invention. The generalconfiguration and cooperation of the various components of the alternateembodiment is substantially the same as that of the preceding Figures.Therefore only the specific details of construction of a single one ofthe triangularly shaped segments is here illustrated.

In this embodiment a plurality of triangularly shaped segments 65 areprovided with turned over bent portions 66 and 67 formed at the free andlocking end portions, respectively. A flange 68 is also provided at oneedge to facilitate closing of the triangularly shaped portions duringstorage. Also an aperture 68 is formed at the apex 69 so that a suitablelocking bolt or rivet can secure the plurality of triangularly shapedsegments to gether as described with regard to the embodiment disclosedin FIGS. 2 and 3. As best seen in FIG. 10, a cross-sectional fragmentaryview illustrates the interlocking of the turned over bent portions 66and 67 which allow the triangularly shaped segments to be secured to oneanother.

While several preferred embodiments of the invention have beenillustrated herein with great particularity, it will be understood thata multitude of variations and modifications, as for example, to size,dimensions, shape and number of triangularly shaped components, may beeffected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novelconcepts disclosed and claimed herein.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed 1. A distresssignaling reflecting warning device to be mounted to the exterior of anautomobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that a distresscondition exists, said distress signaling reflecting warning devicecomprising in combination:

a bracket having a first end arranged for connection to the upper freeexposed edge portion of a partially opened side window of theautomobile, said bracket having a second end thereof provided with quickfastening means,

a collapsable distress signaling reflecting warning element formed of aplurality of triangularly shaped segments, each having an aperturethereof formed in a given apex and in common registry with each of theother plurality of triangularly shaped segments and including a freeedge and a locking edge,

pivot means passing through said given apex of said plurality of saidtriangularly shaped segments, thereby allowing said plurality oftriangularly shaped segments to be collapsed upon themselves when saiddistress signaling reflecting warning device is not in use,

a mounting member secured to said pivot means and extending toward theperiphery of said collapsable distress signaling reflecting warningelement, said mounting member including means to receive said quickfastening means located at said second end of said bracket, and

a slot formed in at least one of said plurality of triangularly shapedelements to allow this triangularly shaped element to have said freeedge thereof override said locking edge of a last one of said pluralityof triangularly shaped elements to facilitate locking together of saidcollapsable distress signaling reflective warning element to form anopen fan-like configuration,

whereby said plurality of triangularly shaped segments are openable toform the distress signaling warning device, and which can be collapsedto occupy a small space for storage when not in use.

2. In the distress signaling reflecting warning device to be mounted tothe exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic thata distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 1 wherein, said freeedge and said locking edge are diverging outwardly from said given apexat an angle of about 45 thereby requiring eight such triangularly shapedsegments to form the entire distress signaling reflecting warningdevice.

3. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted tothe exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic thata distress conditon exists, as set forth in claim 2 wherein, said freeedge includes a slot formed therein and said locking edge has adepending struck down portion to engage said slot of an adjacenttriangularly shaped segment to limit the arcuate extent of travel ofeach of the arcuately shaped segments during opening of said pluralityof arcuately shaped segments.

4. in the distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted tothe exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic thata distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 2 wherein, said freeedge includes a first turned over portion bent upon itself in onedirection to form a U-shaped elongated section, and said locking edgehas a second turned over portion bent upon itself to form a secondU-shaped elongated portion in the direction opposite that of said firstturned over portion, whereby said first and second turned over portionsinterlock one with the other of corresponding adjacent plurality oftriangularly shaped segments to form arcuate movement limiting means forsaid plurality of triangularly shaped segments during opening of saiddistress signaling reflective warning device.

5. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted tothe exterior of an automobile to indicate to the other oncoming trafficthat a distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 2 wherein, saidfree edges or said locking edges are provided with a longitudinallydisposed outwardly directed flange member to facilitate folding of saidplurality of triangularly shaped signal segments.

6. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted tothe exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic thata distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 5 wherein, said freeedges include slots formed therein by striking out U-shaped elongatedsections and bending said sections outwardly of the plane of saidplurality of triangularly shaped segments, and wherein said lockingedges include correspondingly shaped slots struck out in the oppositedirection thereof to form locking tabs, said locking tabs meeting withthe slots formed in adjacently disposed plurality of arcuately shapedsegments to limit the arcuate movement thereof during opening of saiddistress signaling reflective warning device.

7. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted tothe exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic thata distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 1 wherein, saidbracket means has said second end thereof provided with a U- shaped slotformed in the endmost portion and a keyhole shaped slot having anenlarged circular portion contiguous with an elongated portion, saidelongated portion corresponding to the U-shaped slot in both dimensionand longitudinal axis, and wherein said mounting member secured to saidpivotal means includes a threaded shank extending therefrom to engagesaid U- shaped slot and a rivet head member to engage said keyholeshaped opening to allow quick connection and disconnection of saidbracket from said mounting member merely by disconnecting said threadedmember from said threaded shaft and sliding said bracket relative tosaid mounting member.

8. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted tothe exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic thata distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 1 wherein, theeffective arcuate length of each of said plurality of arcuately shapedsegments is slightly less at the outer periphery thereof than it is nearthe inner portion to allow the segments to be pulled tightly together toform a shallow conical member to facilitate reflective characteristicsof a coating formed on the concave portion thereof.

9. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted tothe exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic thata distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 3 wherein, saidshallow conical configuration of said plurality of triangularly shapedsegments is arranged to provide a diverging concave configuration in thedirection which is to be visible to said oncoming traffic.

10. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted tothe exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic thata distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 1 wherein, saidbracket is formed of a length of flat strip stock, and wherein saidfirst end and said second end are disposed relative to one another at 90by forming a twist intermediate said first and second ends.

1 1. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to be mountedto the exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming trafficthat a distress condition exists, as set forth in claim wherein, saidfirst end is provided with a U-shaped member secured to said bracket tohook over the top free edge of an open window of the automobile andfurther including a suction cup device disposed therebeneath firmly toengage the glass surface area of the window to hold the distresssignaling reflective warning device in position.

12. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted tothe exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic thata distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 1 wherein, saidplurality of triangularly shaped segments are formed of stamped outsheet metal components and wherein said free edge and said locking edgeare formed substantially simultaneously with the stamping of theconfiguration of said triangularly shaped segments to form oppositelydirected bent outwardly portions which interlock one with the other ofcorrespondingly adjacent segments for locking the segments together whencircularly fanned out.

13. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted tothe exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic thata distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 1 wherein, saidplurality of triangularly shaped segments are formed of sheet metalstampings, and wherein said free edge and said locking edge are providedwith turned over bent portions in opposite directions so as tofacilitate locking one with the other with the correspondingly adjacentones of said plurality of triangularly shaped segments.

14. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted tothe exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic thatthe distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 1 wherein, saidpluralityof triangularly shaped segments have the radially outwardlyformed edge portion thereof arcuately shaped so that said plurality oftriangular shaped segments, when joined together, form a circularconfiguration of said distress signaling reflective warning device.

15. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted tothe exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic thata distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 14 wherein, selectedones of said plurality of triangularly shaped segments are provided withreflective elements substantially apart from one another to facilitatevisual awareness of said distress signaling reflective warning deviceduring night time conditions when said device is perceived primarily asa result of headlight beam reflections from oncoming traffic.

16. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted tothe exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic thata distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 1 wherein, saidplurality of triangularly shaped segments have the free edge thereof,which is radially outwardly of said given apex, formed in an arcuateconfiguration, thereby providing a circular configuration when fannedopen and locked together to form a circular distress signaling device,and wherein said free edge and said locking edge are provided withturned over portions bent upon themselves in opposite directions tofacilitate interlocking thereof.

1. A distress signaling reflecting warning device to be mounted to theexterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that adistress condition exists, said distress signaling reflecting warningdevice comprising in combination: a bracket having a first end arrangedfor connection to the upper free exposed edge portion of a partiallyopened side window of the automobile, said bracket having a second endthereof provided with quick fastening means, a collapsable distresssignaling reflecting warning element formed of a plurality oftriangularly shaped segments, each having an aperture thereof formed ina given apex and in common registry with each of the other plurality oftriangularly shaped segments and including a free edge and a lockingedge, pivot means passing through said given apex of said plurality ofsaid triangularly shaped segments, thereby allowing said plurality oftriangularly shaped segments to be collapsed upon themselves when saiddistress signaling reflecting warning device is not in use, a mountingmember secured to said pivot means and extending toward the periphery ofsaid collapsable distress signaling reflecting warning element, saidmounting member including means to receive said quick fastening meanslocated at said second end of said bracket, and a slot formed in atleast one of said plurality of triangularly shaped elements to allowthis triangularly shaped element to have said free edge thereof overridesaid locking edge of a last one of said plurality of triangularly shapedelements to facilitate locking together of said collapsable distresssignaling reflective warning element to form an open fan-likeconfiguration, whereby said plurality of triangularly shaped segmentsare openable to form the distress signaling warning device, and whichcan be collapsed to occupy a small space for storage when not in use. 2.In the distress signaling reflecting warning device to be mounted to theexterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that adistress condition exists, as set forth in claim 1 wherein, said freeedge and said locking edge are diverging outwardly from said given apexat an angle of about 45*, thereby requiring eight such triangularlyshaped segments to form the entire distress signaling reflecting warningdevice.
 3. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to bemounted to the exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncomingtraffic that a distress conditon exists, as set forth in claim 2wherein, said free edge includes a slot formed therein and said lockingedge has a depending struck down portion to engage said slot of anadjacent triangularly shaped segment to limit the arcuate extent oftravel of each of the arcuately shaped segments during opening of saidplurality of arcuately shaped segments.
 4. In the distress signalingreflective warning device to be mounted to the exterior of an automobileto indicate to other oncoming traffic that a distress condition exists,as set forth in claim 2 wherein, said free edge includes a first turnedover portion bent upon itself in one direction to form a U-shapedelongated section, and said locking edge has a second turned overportion bent upon itself to form a second U-shaped elongated portion inthe direction opposite that of said first turned over portion, wherebysaid first and second turned over portions interlock one with the otherof corresponding adjacent plurality of triangularly shaped segments toform arcuate movement limiting means for said plurAlity of triangularlyshaped segments during opening of said distress signaling reflectivewarning device.
 5. In the distress signaling reflective warning deviceto be mounted to the exterior of an automobile to indicate to the otheroncoming traffic that a distress condition exists, as set forth in claim2 wherein, said free edges or said locking edges are provided with alongitudinally disposed outwardly directed flange member to facilitatefolding of said plurality of triangularly shaped signal segments.
 6. Inthe distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted to theexterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that adistress condition exists, as set forth in claim 5 wherein, said freeedges include slots formed therein by striking out U-shaped elongatedsections and bending said sections outwardly of the plane of saidplurality of triangularly shaped segments, and wherein said lockingedges include correspondingly shaped slots struck out in the oppositedirection thereof to form locking tabs, said locking tabs meeting withthe slots formed in adjacently disposed plurality of arcuately shapedsegments to limit the arcuate movement thereof during opening of saiddistress signaling reflective warning device.
 7. In the distresssignaling reflective warning device to be mounted to the exterior of anautomobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that a distresscondition exists, as set forth in claim 1 wherein, said bracket meanshas said second end thereof provided with a U-shaped slot formed in theendmost portion and a keyhole shaped slot having an enlarged circularportion contiguous with an elongated portion, said elongated portioncorresponding to the U-shaped slot in both dimension and longitudinalaxis, and wherein said mounting member secured to said pivotal meansincludes a threaded shank extending therefrom to engage said U-shapedslot and a rivet head member to engage said keyhole shaped opening toallow quick connection and disconnection of said bracket from saidmounting member merely by disconnecting said threaded member from saidthreaded shaft and sliding said bracket relative to said mountingmember.
 8. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to bemounted to the exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncomingtraffic that a distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 1wherein, the effective arcuate length of each of said plurality ofarcuately shaped segments is slightly less at the outer peripherythereof than it is near the inner portion to allow the segments to bepulled tightly together to form a shallow conical member to facilitatereflective characteristics of a coating formed on the concave portionthereof.
 9. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to bemounted to the exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncomingtraffic that a distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 3wherein, said shallow conical configuration of said plurality oftriangularly shaped segments is arranged to provide a diverging concaveconfiguration in the direction which is to be visible to said oncomingtraffic.
 10. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to bemounted to the exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncomingtraffic that a distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 1wherein, said bracket is formed of a length of flat strip stock, andwherein said first end and said second end are disposed relative to oneanother at 90* by forming a twist intermediate said first and secondends.
 11. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to bemounted to the exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncomingtraffic that a distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 10wherein, said first end is provided with a U-shaped member secured tosaid bracket to hook over the top free edge of an open window of theautomobile and further including a suction cup device disposedtherebeneath firmly to engage the glass suRface area of the window tohold the distress signaling reflective warning device in position. 12.In the distress signaling reflective warning device to be mounted to theexterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncoming traffic that adistress condition exists, as set forth in claim 1 wherein, saidplurality of triangularly shaped segments are formed of stamped outsheet metal components and wherein said free edge and said locking edgeare formed substantially simultaneously with the stamping of theconfiguration of said triangularly shaped segments to form oppositelydirected bent outwardly portions which interlock one with the other ofcorrespondingly adjacent segments for locking the segments together whencircularly fanned out.
 13. In the distress signaling reflective warningdevice to be mounted to the exterior of an automobile to indicate toother oncoming traffic that a distress condition exists, as set forth inclaim 1 wherein, said plurality of triangularly shaped segments areformed of sheet metal stampings, and wherein said free edge and saidlocking edge are provided with turned over bent portions in oppositedirections so as to facilitate locking one with the other with thecorrespondingly adjacent ones of said plurality of triangularly shapedsegments.
 14. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to bemounted to the exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncomingtraffic that the distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 1wherein, said plurality of triangularly shaped segments have theradially outwardly formed edge portion thereof arcuately shaped so thatsaid plurality of triangular shaped segments, when joined together, forma circular configuration of said distress signaling reflective warningdevice.
 15. In the distress signaling reflective warning device to bemounted to the exterior of an automobile to indicate to other oncomingtraffic that a distress condition exists, as set forth in claim 14wherein, selected ones of said plurality of triangularly shaped segmentsare provided with reflective elements substantially 120* apart from oneanother to facilitate visual awareness of said distress signalingreflective warning device during night time conditions when said deviceis perceived primarily as a result of headlight beam reflections fromoncoming traffic.
 16. In the distress signaling reflective warningdevice to be mounted to the exterior of an automobile to indicate toother oncoming traffic that a distress condition exists, as set forth inclaim 1 wherein, said plurality of triangularly shaped segments have thefree edge thereof, which is radially outwardly of said given apex,formed in an arcuate configuration, thereby providing a circularconfiguration when fanned open and locked together to form a circulardistress signaling device, and wherein said free edge and said lockingedge are provided with turned over portions bent upon themselves inopposite directions to facilitate interlocking thereof.